Jo Ann Matthews

Jo Ann Poteet Matthews passed from this life at the age of 89 on Tuesday, September 13, 2022 at her home in Siloam Springs, AR, with family gathered at her side. Jo Ann was born August 13, 1933, in Tulsa, OK , to James William Poteet and Helen Savannah Wilson Poteet. She met the love of her life, Millard Matthews, at a skating rink in Tulsa, OK. They were married on May 20, 1950, in the Madison County Court House in Hunstville, AR. They celebrated their 72nd anniversry this year. Millard says Jo Ann was the best wife and mother any man could ask for. She was a help mate to him in so many ways and still managed to cook meals and manage the household affairs. They enjoyed spending time together taking road trips and exploring their community. Jo Ann was an excellent seamstress sewing most of her childrens’ school clothes and her daughters wedding dresses. She was also a master of crocheting that includes mural sized works of The Lord’s Supper, The Lord’s Prayer, and The Ten Commandments. She loved growing, cultivating her flowers, and working in the yard. She delighted in spending time with her family, especially birthday parties, reunions and family outings. She especially loved receiving and giving hugs. Jo Ann was a member of the Sugar Hill Church where she enjoyed the fellowship and opportunity to share her love of crafting with her christian family. She established local Brownie and Girl Scout chapters in her community and served as the leader for her daughters troops. She also was a member of the Order of the Eastern Star and was Worthy Matron for Ysleta Chapter #991 in El Paso, TX. Jo Ann was also the Royal Matron for the Order of the Amaranth in Las Cruces, New Mexico. Her benevelant work with these organizations spanned over 40 years. She also was a supporter of St. Judes Research Hospital. Jo Ann is survived by her husband Millard E. Matthews of the home and daughters: Glatha Tate and husband Wilfred of Chickasha, OK, Mashell Snow and husband Travis of Siloam Springs, AR, Thalia Martin and husband Thomas of Quinton, VA, and Ruth Youngman husband Daryl of Lawton, OK. Grandchildren are Tracy Clapp, Helen Pearce, Melvin Matthews III, Miles Matthews, Mark Matthews, Amanda Lanham, Trashell Snow, Matthew Snow, Levi Martin, Lacey Lickliter, Floyd Anderson, and 21 great grandchildren and 4 great great grandchildren. She is also survived by 3 sisters, Betty Ache, Shirley Algeo, Lynda Carver, and many nieces and nephews. Jo Ann was preceded in death by her parents, her son, Melvin Matthews II, granddaughter, Katelyn Pearce, and sisters Rosalie Fisher, Dolores Adams, and brothers James Poteet Jr., and Sammy Poteet.

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Jo Ann Matthews

August 13, 1933 - September 13, 2022